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Lone Wolf Distributors, purveyors of all things Glock and Glock Related had this on display at the NRA convention:

Lone Wolf Distributors Timberwolf (Compact) in transparent plastic

It’s one of their Timberwolf frames (compact model) cast in clear plastic. Unfortunately they are not for sale. When I asked if they would consider a limited run of them, they told me that they have looked into it but they have not yet found a clear polymer that will bear the stress of repeated firing. They also mentioned that some parts manufacturers have shown interest in the transparent frame as a way to display internal parts and how they function.

It would certainly turn some heads if you showed up to an IDPA match with a mostly clear gun (and clear mags, too). I think a satin finish chrome or stainless slide would look perfect on top.

Today I’m busy chasing down a lead on a better job so here’s a picture of Chiappa’s 9″ barreled Mare’s Leg they displayed at the NRA Annual Meetings.

Chiappa Firearms’ new 9″ bbl Mare’s Leg

I like this version much better than the 12″ barreled models that are also available, because the 9″ barrel is most accurate to the iconic shortened Winchester 1892 that Steve McQueen carried in Wanted Dead or Alive. Chiappa chose to introduce theirs with the “D” shaped lever from the early episodes but the tear drop shaped lever is also available separately. Best of all, since it is manufactured as a pistol (not a shortened rifle), it can be transferred easily with no NFA paperwork. Impractical as all get out, but cool as hell.

Nobody else seems to have up a picture of it so I thought I’d post it here. Image retrieved from the ProMag 2013 digital catalog disc I picked up at the NRA convention. Midway’s site says it should be available 5/26/13. I didn’t find mention of a mag coupler but the mid-body interruption of the waffle pattern may suggest one is in the works.

At the NRA convention this weekend there were several companies offering various ways of concealing firearms in furniture. The different approaches and solutions to hiding firearms in plain sight vary by company but all are clever.

Secret Compartment Furniture has the most diverse collection of standard offerings of those at the show with products ranging from coat racks and night stands to bookshelves and headboards. SCF’s designs depend on primarily on camouflage to keep your items safe and yet be quickly accessible but there are options an owner can install to increase security. Here’s an example of their curio cabinet:

SCF curio cabinet with long arm storage and second hidden drawer

Also exhibiting were the folks from LedgeLOKR. LedgeLOKR appears as a display shelf or mantlepiece but include a drop down compartment that can hold firearms. Features include a gas charged cylinder that quickly lowers the hidden contents but prevents the compartment from simply falling open and a very discreet locking mechanism that keeps access very quick and simple.

LedgeLOKR’s shelf is very impressive in its discretion and function

If you want the ultimate in customization and craftsmanship you might want to consider the ARMoire. Each one is custom designed to the customer’s specifications. The type of wood, finish, dimensions and storage configuration are all taken into consideration. Options include electronic opening with fingerprint or voice recognition and the ability to be wired into your home alarm system. Prices start at $10,500 for the base model and delivery time is stated at 90 days or less.

Each ARMoire is custom made to order with choice of dimensions, wood, finish and storage options

In partnership with the NRA, Jotto Gear offers an in-wall diversion safe that is a bit easier to accommodate for those of us currently working the Dave Ramsey plan. The NRA Home Defense Cabinet is similar to products from Tactical Walls and Stash Vault but incorporates a biometric fingerprint scanner to release the locking gun racks within. The scanner can hold up to 90 fingerprints (ten for you and the rest for whomever you choose) and can be recoded as needed. The unit mounted directly between wall studs (16″ ctr to ctr) and the frame of the mirror that covers it is shipped unfinished so you can stain or paint it to match your existing decor.

Just an ordinary mirror?

I like the idea of concealed spaces just for the idea that if a thief doesn’t know about it, the contents can’t be stolen. Seeing new concepts marketed that also allow for some level of security and still provide quick access is encouraging.

Update: While composing this I stumbled on Gentlemint’s extensive list of interesting objects with secret compartments. It’s worth perusing.

Update2: Stash Vault’s website currently seems to be experiencing problems…

I just finished reading Citizen of the Galaxy, written by Robert Heinlein in 1957. While it was an enjoyable read, it’s certainly not Heinlein most popular tale but it does have a solid character arc and engaging story with some lessons on duty and personal honor.

However, this isn’t a review; what I wanted to share was that I found it amusing that on page 130 in a list of the ships of the Free Traders, one name stood out: Firefly. [Actually, it’s not relevant to the story of CotG but still it’s in it.]

I looked up this song after hearing a brief clip on the Michael Berry show and now I have it stuck in my head in the best way. The artist, Steve Vaus, also has 60 second TV and radio spots featuring this song that he is trying to buy air time for. If you would like to donate to the cause or just buy the song (or album) go here.